I’m a bit of a fitness nut by nature. I’ve tried all sorts of exercise routines from running my butt off and destroying my knee joints in the process to competing in figure competitions to doing prenatal yoga to teaching Baby Boomer aquatics classes. Yeah. I’ve seen it all. Done it all. Found out what works for me.

Problem is…it took me years of trial and error to figure out what type of fitness program was suitable for my life at the time. Keeping fit and healthy looks different to us depending on what our goals are at the time. Sometimes, we might have the time to invest in long, heavy workout sessions. Other times, we just want to maintain our fitness with minimal output.

I created this checklist for you, so you can figure out what’s important to you in your fitness right now. Bookmark it, Evernote clip it or print it out for the next time you just need to switch things up!

Postpartum freak-out, trying to get your body back. First three months of walking, light exercise and baby wearing. Focus on recovery and energy management. After three months, ease back into an exercise routine. Watch my episode on postpartum fitness tips.

Gym Rat, living at the gym. 5-6 days of weightlifting and maybe 1-2 classes/weekly. Focus on strong recovery program. Must have tailored nutrition regimen.

Teenager with a fitness streak - Experiment with sports and activities. Try team/individual sports. Beginning weightlifting routines. Just being active is enough.

It ain’t a workout unless you puke. You’ll love Crossfit. Maybe even the Jillian Michaels approach.

Body image issues plague you. Before you exercise, read Scott Abel’s blog. He helped me rein in my own anorexic issues. You’ll enjoy training for a figure, bikini, or bodybuilding competition. Make sure to hire a coach and get help when you get “fat-phobia."

Eating vegetarian and vegan is important to you. Get adequate protein and Vitamin B12. Brendan Brazier’s book, Thrive, is a terrific read. 80-10-10 diet works for some raw vegans, but I personally had a disastrous experience eating that way while trying to work out.